SheSpeaks: Lancome DreamTone Customized Skin Tone Correcting Serum

I received the DreamTone by Lancome from SheSpeaks and with the hefty price tag of $98.00, this was a product that had to wow me with results to make it worthwhile.

What it Does:
DreamTone is a customized skin-tone correcting serum. I like serums because they are usually light in texture and quickly absorbed by my skin. My pigmentation selection was no. 1 for Fair complexions, however the line also comes in no. 2 for Medium skin-tones and no. 3 for Darker complexions. DreamTone is formulated as a dark spot and blemish diminisher, meaning it will lighten the pigmentation associated with these marks. It reduces redness and also targets imperfections and you are left with a overall smooth skin appearance that improves with use. Changes and improvements should be seen and felt at the one week period with a higher satisfaction rate at the 4 week point. Maximum overall changes should be present in 8 weeks.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Squalane, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polysilicone-11, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mannitol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5, Ci 75470 / Carmine, Ci 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance.

I was able to test DreamTone a little shy of 4 weeks and was able to get an idea if DreamTone is a buy or pass.

Results:

1. At the 1 week point, I did notice that my skin remained smooth and I very much like how the product distributed throughout my skin. Cosmetics tended to flow better, as in foundations went on smoother and I did not have any negative effects like make-up caking up hours later or any adverse skin issues. The product did not increase any acne breakouts but it also did not decrease them. I did not notice any pigmentation changes in the first 7 days.
2. At the 2 week period, I still benefited from the aforementioned results and did notice a “glow” improvement in my skin. I had a nice healthy shine that was not greasy or oily in nature, more like a brightness. My skin did remain healthy looking but again no improvement in any of the pigmentation issues or skin tone improvements.
3. I reached the 3 week mark and with continual use, I did feel my skin improve by retaining a healthy glow and my skin’s dullness had improved. My imperfections, like the small darker tone marks that I had from my last break-out (3 weeks ago), were lighter. Going by the history of how my skin rejuvenates on it’s own with exfoliation, this is my regular cycle so I did not reward those benefits to Lancome’s DreamTone. I thankfully have fair skin that tends to fight to remain pale no matter how much I wish to tan and thankfully this goes for any marks I may get for popping a blemish I should have left alone. Hard to detour from such behavior when my punishment only last about 3 to 4 weeks on my face!
4. Reaching the 4 week time span, I found that I like to use DreamTone as a base/primer for my make-up. The product really does help achieve the greatest results in a smooth make-up application even though this was not an advertised claim. I did not breakout from the product as DreamTone tends to protect my skin nicely. I even experimented with several new cosmetic lines and did not get the punishment I usually get by getting new blemishes or skin reactions like clogged pores or even redness. I did feel that the serum provides a almost preventative effect. Mattifying  or evening of the skin-tone was achieved but my freckles and the appearance of dark spots did not reflect a noticeable difference, but technically I am still in the middle of what is considered optimum results in 8 weeks.

Would I buy it?
This is where some of us take for granted results already obtained, we make them ours and forget what got us there in the first place. DreamTone did smooth out and even my skin’s tone, plus it made my make-up perform better. In other words, it improved how my cosmetics work and also protected me when I used a new product. That alone has a value but I’m unsure on the $98 price point for what I really used as a base (primer?) and still had to take into consideration the cost of a moisturizer and an anti-aging product. With continual use, DreamTone should give me skin that needs less coverage from make-up and give me the courage to go bare……but I’m not there yet! Have I lightened on my foundation use? Yes, because Lancome’s DreamTone does allow my foundation to glide on meaning I can work more magic while I blend and use less at the same time. I use a corrector on a light basis anyways and I did not feel that fluctuated in use with DreamTone.

In Conclusion:
Yes, I would buy it but unsure at the $98 price point. I have been convinced to spend between $50 and $75 for what I have achieved and if I get more added benefits by week 8, then that would be the deciding factor in if I will pony up the addition $50 to $25 dollars. I will be updating this review if I reach week 8 and have more to jazz about. The product does come in a generous amount of 1.3 fluid ounces and because it is a serum, a small amount is needed. It may be that I’m the consumer that needs a “deluxe sized” bottle for how I have used and seen DreamTone perform. I suggest visiting Sephora, Macy’s or even Ulta and ask for a sample size before making a full purchase. I do hope they make a smaller size because that also means a smaller price point 🙂

For more Information, please visit:

• Lancome http://www.lancome-usa.com/DreamTone/1000402,default,pd.html

I received the above product free of charge from SheSpeaks and Lancome.  I am not obligated to provide a favorable or positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and brand, which may differ from yours.

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Eslor Soothing Refiner and Cleanser Wash Review

As a blogger, you always wish for that quintessential time that you are united with a product, manufacture, company, ect., which will literally blow you away with the results. That moment that reaffirms why you love to do what you do…..and my experience with Eslor has been just such a moment. I received a lovely pitch from the company in July via Twitter. Then, one afternoon, I was surprised with a large parcel at the end of the month that included every single item in their product line. Even some marketing materials that thoroughly explained how everything works with a color brochure, and even samples to share with friends and family. Pretty basic, error proof, and very much letting the products speak for themselves. I looked up the price points, and that is when things as a blogger take a turn for me because if you are high in dollar value, I have high expectations for results. It’s an even exchange in my world, where I pay good money and expect soft skin but if you expect me to pay well,  you better include a magic wand or something. This is also the longest I have tested a product line because I gave every single item a 2 month testing out period. That is 2 months of dedication and taking my skin’s health serious. I thought if I was diligent on washing my face, moisturizing, a serum here, a cream there and even a little boost of retinol on fine lines meant I’m serious about what I do.

Not!

The parcel included 12 items and not every one needs to be used on a daily basis but 12 bottles to wow me and redefine serious skin care. This is the kind of wow where you really expect the promises to come true type of skin care. Let’s say I spent so much looking at my skin that I must admit I experienced the foggy mirror effect and a few nose bumps because I was making sure things worked as stated. To not overstimulate your senses, I will be posting about 1 to 2 Eslor product reviews with the full details.

Let’s begin sharing my Eslor Adventure…

A little history about the line: Eslor is a line developed by a pharmacologist that wanted to provide his wife with products that were derived from nature, meanwhile still providing results. Made in the United States with their headquarters in San Diego, California. The products all contain a very upfront approach where ingredients are clearly listed on the box and you have pluses like being paraben free and gentle. I really like that idea of nature meets science approach because I believe a company that produces beauty products needs to not ignore “one side” in order to provide the best product out there for consumers. I want every chance I can have when it comes to results and it can come from a lab or a tree, but please work is my approach.

We start with the one cleanser Eslor carries called the Soothing Refiner & Cleanser. The product’s job duties are not just washing the surface your skin but also restoring the balance (ph). Even though the product is advertised as gentle, please don’t confuse that for low performance. You do get a deep clean but the type that does not leave your skin dry and deprived from moisture. Sort of counterproductive to strip your skin of the good oils and nutrients when you are combating age and the elements to reveal a healthier you. I just want to look the best I can look and not feel like my skin was pulled back further than it should go. You know the look. It’s not a good look.

Instructions for Use: These are pretty basic and you get a generous amount of foam to create a gentle lather. In other words, you feel the product as it disperses and it does not leave you hanging halfway through your wash where you are trying to get more off your forehead to finish washing your chin. I used it both with and without make-up on and not only looked clean but felt the surface of my skin was clean enough to continue onto the other products.

Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, Sage leaves and Carrot extract to Rosemary and even Hops extracts. You also have friendly glycerin to Cocamidopropyl betaine, which is an ingredient just like it sounds, derived from coconut and aids with the creation of foam in beauty products and also serves as an antiseptic. Non-irritant and helps keeps things sanitary without harsh chemicals. Like most Eslor products, you also get more for benefits that are not as common with other facial washes, as I found many Eslor products do more than their counterparts. Alantoin, is also present and I like this ingredient because it increases the water content that can be delivered to your skin while exfoliating and you are left with a “new skin” that is healthier than what you removed. Full of moisture and very smooth.

Results: I like that the wash does more than just clean the daily dirt off your face because I want products that can deliver more for me doing less or the same activity. I have combination skin and like the wash states, it is good for ALL skin types. My face felt clean and with prolong use, my skin did improve and did not go through the dry spells I get during intense weather, when sometimes I wash my face three times if I am going out. I did not get that dryness on my neck (where my throat meets) and before it was a game of keeping it at bay while this wash made that problem non-existent. I suffer from acne spells too and this wash did not cause any break-outs and there is truth to getting “balance” out of this product when some think a washed face is better than a non one, this wash actually cleaned without stripping my skin but no oiliness came a couple hours later because it really does balance your skin enough to not misbehave as mine tends to do.

Price Point with Product Details: A 2 fluid Ounce bottle retails for $28.00 and I sadly have spent more for “targeted” washes that never exactly did well for what they were supposed to have a bulls-eye on or much for the rest of my face.

Check-out Eslor and their extensive beauty line at:

• Their Website
• Their Contact Page
• Their Eslor Facebook Page
• Their Twitter Page
• Their Pinterest Page

I received the above product from Eslor, free of charge.  I am not obligated to provide positive or favorable feedback, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it’s products, which may differ from yours.